Niagara County has first COVID-19 death

UPDATED

Tue, Apr 7th 2020 12:25 pm

Niagara County Public Information Officer Kevin Schuler on Tuesday said, “The Niagara County Department of Health today is sad to report the first COVID-19 related death of a Niagara County resident. The resident was a 58-year-old male with no underlying health conditions.”

Niagara County Public Health Director Daniel J. Stapleton added, “We offer our condolences to the family and we want them to know our whole community stands with them in their time of grief.”

He noted, “This pandemic has claimed many lives across our state, country and world, and each one is a reminder that we must all do our part to bring the COVID-19 crisis to an end. Community spread is still occurring, and it is important for our residents to stay home, wash their hands, and maintain a six foot distance from others. You are not only protecting your own health, you are protecting the health of others.”

Niagara County Legislature Chairwoman Becky Wydysh provides an update 2 p.m. each weekday live on LCTV. Stream it at lctv.net.

Niagara County would not say where the deceased man lived.

Niagara County Legislature Chairwoman Becky Wydysh provided additional thoughts as part of her 2 p.m. appearance on LCTV.

Wydysh said, "All of Niagara County sends our condolences and our prayers to his friends and family in this time of grief. We've seen COVID-related deaths across the state, the country, the world, but when someone from our own community is lost, it really hits home.

"To the family, please know that we all stand beside you in your time of grief; and we're here with you, with our thoughts and prayers."

She added, "We lost a neighbor today to COVID-19; and I ask you again: Please use that as a reminder that no one is immune from this virus. Again, this was a 58-year-old male with no underlying health conditions. You should take that again as your warning that no one is ... really safe from this – that everyone can be affected – not just you, but again, you can bring that home to your family members, as well, if you're not following those physical distancing guidelines.

"Please, until this crisis comes to an end, continue to do so, and keep yourself and your family safe."